Our latest first-floor exhibition comes courtesy of the team currently working on the Our Town Hall Project to repair, renovate and refurbish Manchester's iconic Town Hall. Extraordinarily little is known about the artisans who built the Town Hall between 1868 and 1877, and certainly no photographs exist. But fast-forward 150 years and today’s skilled workers […]
An insightful exhibition in memory of Sir Tony Lloyd (1950-2024) - a popular politician who represented three different constituencies in the Greater Manchester area for a total of 36 years across five decades. He served as the country's first Police and Crime Commissioner before becoming the first Mayor of Greater Manchester, returning to Parliament in […]
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is marking its 40th anniversary with an exhibition of 40 items, showing how privacy and information rights have played a pivotal role at prominent times during the past four decades. Free - just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our […]
Now in its third episode, Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns with another feast of features for its listeners. This month’s big interview comes from the legendary DJ Paulette, who speaks to the podcast about her incredible life, brand new book ‘Welcome To The Club’, and her involvement in the upcoming Black British Book Festival at Central […]
Alliance Française de Manchester present this month’s film, ‘L’Année du Requin’. Maja, a maritime police officer in the Landes region, faces her worst nightmare coming true: retiring early! Thierry, her husband, has already planned the camping spot and the mobile home. However, the disappearance of a holiday-maker puts the entire coast on alert: a shark […]
The Manchester Manhole Collective is proud to present Manc Holes and Beyond, the world’s first exhibition celebrating the art and design of manhole & drain covers. These well-trodden yet often overlooked works of art that adorn the streets, roads & pavements of Manchester and beyond. Amaze at how these heavy industrial designs exemplify art at […]
Welcome to the voting page for the third edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: Monday 14 April 2025 • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café! At the […]
Springing into the new season, FULL VOLUME: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is back with a brand new episode for April. Packed with fantastic features, the lead interview this month finds our host Alan Lynch going head-to-head with top political journalist Emma Barnett. Perhaps best known for hosting the Today Programme on BBC Radio 4 and […]
Overview Join us for an illuminating evening of honest conversation about one of the most significant forces shaping our society. As Manchester continues to evolve into an increasingly diverse metropolis, we’re bringing together remarkable community leaders to explore how immigration enriches our city while thoughtfully addressing the challenges of creating a truly integrated society. Tickets […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Dominic Berry. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 15th April via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe. […]
‘A true wonder’ – Max Porter Tom Rourke, poet, doper, drinker is struggling to make a life for himself amongst the Irish migrant workers seeking to make their fortunes in Butte, Montana. Then Polly Gillespie, wife of a mine captain, walks into his life. Sparks fly, the lovers flee West, but will they reach the […]
Join us for a chat and a chance to have a look at some great objects from our archives as we honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Free - no need to book - just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless […]
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.